Klasika III: Music Slovenia - A Selection of Contemporary Compositions for Orchestra and Ensembles
This time, the focus is on works by younger-generation Slovenian composers: Matej Bonin, Larisa Vrhunc, Nina Šenk, Vito Žuraj, Petra Strahovnik, Neville Hall, and Urška Pompe.
The selection of composers, works, and recordings was
curated by Gregor Pompe PhD, who also wrote an in-depth accompanying essay. In
its introduction, he writes:
"Judging by the results of international composition
competitions (Petra Strahovnik won the 66th International Rostrum of Composers
in 2019; in 2015, Matej Bonin's Cancro was selected in the under-30
category; in 2024, Matic Romih’s work was chosen in the same category.
Additionally, two of Vito Žuraj’s compositions, along with works by Larisa
Vrhunc and Neville Hall, were listed among the recommended pieces at the Rostrum),
and by performances from prestigious global symphony orchestras (the Berlin
Philharmonic performed works by Vito Žuraj and Nina Šenk; Šenk's compositions
have also been performed by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam and
the New York Philharmonic; Žuraj's works have been played by numerous other
top-tier German orchestras, both composers have also had their operas premiered
abroad in recent years) and by leading ensembles for contemporary music, we can
say that Slovenia has become a global composing superpower at the beginning of
the 21st century."
This project was created in collaboration with RadioSlovenia – Program ARS, which commissioned most of the recordings, and ZKP RTV Slovenija, responsible for professional mastering.
The featured performers include: Forum of New Music Ensemble,
Neofonía Ensemble, Ensemble Modern, Norrbotten NEO, Ives
Ensemble, Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra, Slowind Wind Quintet,
RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra, Slagwerk Den Haag, and Trio
Tempestoso. Conductors featured in the project include: Bengt Tommy
Andersson, Marco Angius, Johannes Kalitzke, Lucie Leguay, Steven Loy, Edo
Mičić, Rossen Milanov, George Pehlivanian, and En Shao.
The compilation is available in digital form only, across
all major streaming platforms. It is also fully accessible on RTV 365.
The accompanying essay is accessible via ZKP RTV Slovenija. A physical
version is available as a single CD with a streaming code granting
access to the full compilation. This release is non-commercial and promotional
in nature, intended for use at music fairs and industry events.